PRACTICAL ESSENTIALS:
This growth is benign, similar to a wart and occurs mainly in the larynx. It is rare and usually effects children.
EPIDEMIOLOGY:
There are over 2000 new cases per year in America with an age predominance of 7 and again between the age of 20 and 40. Males and females are affected equally.
CAUSE:
A Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) was first identified as the cause of the papilloma of the larynx and causes warts on the skin and in the genital area. The cause of transmission in children is probably via the birth canal in not always symptomatic mothers. The likelihood of developing papilloma in children is increased in children with lower immunity and who are exposed to a prolonged delivery. In adults the papilloma virus is transmitted sexually.